Keeping Scholarships When Transferring

How do you transfer from one college to another while keeping your scholarships? I'm considering a transfer but don't want to lose the financial aid tied to my current university. Any tips or experiences to share?

Keeping scholarships when transferring can be a bit of a mixed bag, as the availability to transfer them largely depends on the type of scholarship you've received.

Institutional scholarships, which are provided by your current school, often don't transfer to other schools. This is because they're designed to help offset the cost of attendance at the university you're currently attending.

However, some types of scholarships are more portable. For instance, national or state scholarships or scholarships offered by private or non-profit entities are typically not tied to a specific institution. In most cases, you can continue to renew and receive funding from these scholarships, provided you continue to meet their eligibility requirements.

Before starting the transfer process, it's crucial to examine the terms of your existing scholarship. Look at the fine print to see if it can be transferred or if it is specifically tied to your current institution. If you're unable to discern this from the agreement, trying reaching out to the scholarship organization for clarification.

Simultaneously, consider checking out the financial aid offerings at the college you're looking to transfer to. They may have institutional scholarships, need-based grants, or other forms of financial aid that can help replace any scholarship funding you'll lose by transferring.

Don't forget to speak with the financial aid office at your potential future university. They can provide guidance on the transfer process and inform you about potential aid opportunities at their school.

Remember that every situation is different, and it's in your best interest to do as much research as possible to understand how a transfer may impact your financial situation.